Background In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, China will adopt stronger policies and measures. Controlling soil erosion and establishing a good ecological environment is not only the demand of ecological civilization construction, but also an important way to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.

Methods This paper introduces the impact of severe soil erosion on the carbon source and sink of ecosystem, analyzes the carbon emission reduction effect of soil and water conservation engineering measures, forest and grass measures, agricultural measures and ecological clean small watershed management. And puts forward the ways and countermeasures of carbon neutral soil and water conservation.

Results and Conclusions In order to achieve greater emissions reductions, we need to find new breakthroughs in soil and water conservation. We need to implement the assessment index of soil and water conservation restoration and control of carbon sink increase. Including but not limited to: 1) Implement the assessment index of soil and water conservation and restoration and control of carbon sink increase, and scientifically evaluate the contribution of soil and water conservation ecological restoration to carbon peak and carbon neutrality. 2) carry out intensive planning and implementation of soil and water conservation and ecological restoration projects, and enhance the carbon sequestration capacity of ecosystems and the carbon sequestration capacity of forests and grasslands. 3) Comprehensive implementation of ecological clean small watershed construction, continue to tap the potential of soil and water conservation carbon sink growth. 4) Enhance the carbon absorption capacity of agro-ecosystem, combined with comprehensive treatment of mountains, rivers, forests, farmland, lakes and grass, and contribute a steady stream of green power to negative emissions.